Meter reading system

ABSTRACT

To provide an automated meter reading system minimizing the power consumption while waiting between measurements. A clock integrating a calendar function submits signals for the certain period of the month. Receiving this signal output by the main power supply activates the main power supply and electrical power is started supplied. The image-processing system is fed by the main power supply and the image-processing system begins to acquire the image of display panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention belongs the technical field of reading the valuedisplayed and transferring these values.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] A utility meter, in general, which indicates the flow rate or theaccumulated amount of usage, measures and displays mechanically thevalues, for example flow of gas for the case of a gas meter and flow ofwater for the case of a water meter, by moving the detectors by kineticenergy of the flow. These meters can function without electrical power.These meters are located, in general, at the point of use of theutility. One has to go at the location of the utility meter, to read thevalue displayed on the meter, and to write down the value when to readthe meter. FIG. 14 show the display portions of the water meter. FIG.14A indicates the water meter of digital display by mechanical movement.FIG. 14B indicates the water meter of display by needle position. Autility meter of combined both display methods can be found in themarket.

[0005] As the current apparatus of reading the panel surface of utilitymeter a cover is placed over the panel and a ring light lights up thepanel. A CCD camera integrated in the apparatus takes a picture of thesurface of the panel. The image taken is sent to a laptop computer as ameter image signal. The image data taken by the laptop computer iscompared with many pre-acquired standard image data registered under themeter pattern database of the meter pattern setting. The number orposition of utility meter indicating the amount of usage is extractedfrom the meter image. (For example, refer the appendix of the patentarticle 1)

[0006] Again the current apparatus of meter reading equipment, at aautomated meter reading system that the measured value of the meter isremote controlled by radio, has a parent radio station that resends thesignal of retry command toward the child radio station of the utilitymeter of error in data transfer with its ID number when the parent radiostation received the data from the child station with some error or theparent station could not get the data from the child station at all. Theparent radio station recognized the received data has some error in itsends automatically the signal of retry command with the ID number ofthe specific child-station needs to be retry toward the specific childstation. (For example, refer the appendix of the patent article 2)

[0007] Patent Article 1

[0008] JP-A-2000-182021(the 3rd page, FIG. 1)

[0009] Patent Article 2

[0010] JP-A-8-249584 (the pages 2 and 3, FIG. 1)

[0011] The meter reading in general, however, may need electrical power.It is common for the placement of a gas meter or a water meter does nothave the power line near by. The power can be obtained from a batterybut it is not very efficient if the replacement of the battery ends upwith very often. It is practically impossible to get into and to readthe meter placed in the some one's property without his permission whilehe is out of the property. A watchdog may be found in the property evenif he is not out of his property.

[0012] In the other hand the size of the battery is limited while thesize of the reading apparatus is getting smaller in size. Moreover,radio transmission consumes a great deal of power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This invention tries to solve the problem by minimizing powerconsumption of waiting time, the interval of meter reading.

[0014] The meter reading system of this invention comprises a clock withcalendar function, the first power supply activated by the output of theclock and the image-processing units powered by the first power supplyand that inputs the image of display panel of utility meter, and theclock with calendar function outputs the signal to activate the firstpower supply in the certain period of time within a month.

[0015] The meter reading system of this invention comprises the secondpower supply activated by the clock with calendar function and the radiocommunication unit powered by the second power supply and that transfersthe information acquired from the image-processing system to other radiostation, and the clock with calendar function outputs the signal toactivate the first power supply in the certain period of time within amonth.

[0016] The meter reading system of this invention also comprises thefunction that the activation period of time issued by the clock withcalendar function can be modified by the radio signal emitted from theradio system above mentioned.

[0017] The meter reading system of this invention equips a movable jointthat permits to mount the image-processing unit upon the display portionof the meter system and a fixing apparatus in order for the movablejoint to prevent rotating.

[0018] The meter reading system of this invention equips the radiocommunication unit transfers the user specific identifier informationand the data came out from the image-processing unit to other radiocommunication unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] A preferred form of the present invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which:

[0020]FIG. 1 is an overall structure of the passive meter readingsystem;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a timing chart of the calendar clock and power supplyoutput;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a flowchart indicating On and Off of power supply;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a structure drawing of the image-processing unit;

[0024]FIG. 5 are structure a drawing and composition drawings of theimage detector, FIG. 5A is a front view, FIG. 5B is a side view, andFIG. 5C is an architecture;

[0025]FIG. 6 is a flow chart of taking in the image and patternrecognition;

[0026]FIG. 7 is a structure drawing of the passive meter reading systemfor water;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a placement drawing of the passive meter reading systemfor water;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a diagram of passive meter reading by using anautomobile;

[0029]FIG. 10 is a structure drawing of the receiver of the passivemeter reading system for an automobile;

[0030]FIG. 11 is a drawing in case to read a meter using the hand heldtype remote receiver unit;

[0031]FIG. 12 is a structure drawing of the hand held type remotereceiver unit;

[0032]FIG. 13 is a drawing of data transfer and Recharging of the handheld type receiver unit; and

[0033]FIG. 14 are drawings of a display panel of the water meter,

[0034]FIG. 14A shows a numerical display type, FIG. 14B shows apositional display type.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The actual content of each embodiment of this invention isexplained hereinafter by using Figures.

[0036] <Embodiment 1>

[0037] The method to read the value indicated by the meter automaticallyand the method to correct the apparatus is stated as follows:

[0038] The action to read a meter for the purpose to collect fee takesplace periodically with the certain interval. For example the meterreading of utility such as gas, water and electricity takes place once amonth in general. The meter itself is basically an accumulator ofutility flow and the amount of used utility is calculated by thedifference the reading of this month from the reading of last month. Forthe reason, to employ the passive way of reading, the reading can bedone by recognizing electrically the value shown on the meterperiodically and by sending the value of reading through radio. In otherwords the reading of meter takes place only upon the demand. It ispossible to cut unnecessary power off and to stop the function of theportion of system not in use.

[0039]FIG. 1 shows the structure of the passive meter reading system.The passive meter reading system 100 explained in this embodiment equipsa calendar clock 110, a power supply for the radio equipment. 130, aradio communication unit 140, a comparator 150, a central processingunit 180, a image-processing unit 170, a main power supply 160 and twoOR logical circuits 120 and 125. The calendar clock has two differentfunctions. The calendar clock 110 and the OR logical circuits 120 and125 are connected a power supply of always in function. The calendarclock 110 is programmed the ambient period of the meter reading and thecalendar clock 110 submits the signal to activate the power supply forthe radio equipment 130. The radio communication equipment 140 ispowered up and the radio communication unit 140 is then turned on intofunction. The power supply for the radio equipment-130 powers the radiocommunication unit 140 and the comparator 150. When both are turned on,the radio communication unit 140 listens to the predefined frequency,and receives the modulated information of the frequency through theantenna 190, and recovers the content of the information, and then sendsthe content to the comparator 150.

[0040] The radio communication unit has a function to receive thecommand coming from in distance and to transfer the result of meterreading in distance by modulating the result to radio frequency. Forexample, a transceiver, a radio of a transmitter and a receivercombined, of low power radio may minimize the transmitter power. Thecomparator 150 has a function to detect arrival of ‘the command of meterreading’ and to turn the main power supply 160 on. The image-processingunit 170 has the function to take in the value displayed in analog wayor in digital way on the meter display panel. The central processingunit 180 has the main function to analyze the image took in and tocontrol the radio communication traffic.

[0041]FIG. 2 shows the timing chart of the calendar clock 110, theoutput status of the power supplies 130 and 160. It is obvious from thechart but the calendar clock 110 submits the signal 210 while predefinedmeter reading period is in approach. Synchronizing to this signal 210,the power output 220 of the power supply for the radio equipment 130 isturned on. Once receiving the ‘Command of Meter Reading’, the poweroutput 230 of the main power supply 160 remains on until all the meterreading process is done. For the period of time above the power supplyfor the radio equipment 130 remains also on. It is possible to turn thesignal out of the calendar clock 110 down after reception of data iscompleted but taking a consideration of retry of meter reading thesignal out of the calendar clock is kept high for the certain period oftime before turning it down for the case of this embodiment. Then, thesignal out of the calendar clock 110 is turned down until an approach ofnext meter reading period. The date of next ambient meter reading periodcan be modified by sending the new date to the passive meter readingsystem 100 and by making the calendar clock to memorize the new date.Turning down the signal out of the calendar clock 110 cuts completelythe power off for the unnecessary circuits but not just putting theminto the sleeping state.

[0042] It is a common power saving technique to put circuits of not inuse in the sleeping state while the interval between two samplingperiods is longer than the effective sampling time. The circuit at thesleeping state sometime still may consume several microamperes ofcurrent. Accumulating even microamperes of power consumption may becomea factor to shorten the battery life. For the case that the intervalbetween two samplings is nearly a month and the effective sampling timeis several seconds, as stated in this embodiment of the invention, thepower supply itself for the circuit is cut off except for some specificcircuits. This method permits to conserve more power.

[0043] The procedure to turn on and off of the power supply is indicatedon FIG. 3. Setting the calendar clock 110 to the ambient meter-readingperiod (Procedure 101). The calendar clock 110 carves time (Procedure102). The calendar clock 110 starts to submit the periodical signal ofactivation (Procedure 151) when the ambient meter reading period, theperiod of time estimated that the meter reading is to be executed, is inapproach (Procedure 151). In the other hand when the period of meterreading is determined far away (Procedure 151), the calendar clock 110keeps carving time (Procedure 102). The logical state of the signal outof the first OR circuit 120 is set HIGH (1) activated by the signal outfrom the calendar clock 110 (Procedure 104). The logical state of thefirst OR circuit output is set HIGH (1) and then the power supply forthe radio equipment 130 is enabled (Procedure 105). The radiocommunication units powered by the power supply 130 starts receivingradio signals (Procedure 106). The radio communication unit 140demodulates the received signals (Procedure 107), sends the recoveredinformation to the comparator 150 (Procedure 108), and makes acomparison if the information sent was the ‘Command of Meter Reading’(Procedure 109). If the received signal is the ‘Command of MeterReading’, the comparator 150 sends HIGH (1) to the input of the secondOR circuit 125 (Procedure 110). Then, the output of the second ORcircuit is turned HIGH (1) (Procedure 111), and the main power supply isturned on (Procedure 112). Then, the central processing unit 180 and theimage-processing unit 170 gain power and start to be enabled (Procedure113). The central processing unit 180 actives, while the action of meterreading, the input of both OR circuits 120 and 125 for the reason toturn on the power supply (Procedure 114). The main power supply 160 isturned off after the central processing unit 180 finished all the actionrelated the meter reading by setting the input of both OR circuits atLOW (0) state (Procedure 115). And then the passive meter reading system100 becomes to be ready for next meter reading action.

[0044] The procedures to read the value digitalized mechanically oroptically are explained hereinafter. FIG. 4 shows the structures of theimage-processing system that is comprised the image acquisition unit andthe pattern recognition unit. The image-processing unit 170 is dividedinto the image acquisition unit that acquires the image of the valueshown on the utility meter and the pattern-recognition unit thatextracts the meter value in number by patter matching technique. Theimage acquisition unit is comprised the light emitting diode (LED) 460,the detector matrix 450 and the image-processing interface 430. The LEDhas a function to light up the surface of meter panel while acquisitionof image. The detector matrix 450 is comprised ether for example acharge coupled device (CCD) or a complementally metal oxidesemiconductor (C-MOS) array and has a function to take an image in. Theimage-processing interface 430 has a function to save temporally theimage taken and to transfer the image information to the patternrecognition unit. The patter recognition unit is consisted of thecentral processing unit 410 and the pattern recognition software 420.The central processing unit 410 obtains the image information from theimage-processing interface 430, and extracts the value shown on theutility meter in number from the image taken in, and then transmits theextracted value to the receiver of the passive meter reading systemthrough the radio communication unit 140.

[0045] The explanation of the image detection unit 500 that takes theimage of the display panel of the utility meter is hereinafter. FIG. 5are the schematics showing the structure of the image detection unit500. The image detection unit 500 is comprised the light emitting diode(LED) 520 for lighting and the detector matrix 530. The display panel ofthe utility meter is expected round shape so that the image detectionunit 500 has round shape. The LED 520 is placed round on the surface ofthe image detection device 510. The color of the LED 520 should be thecolor of preference to acquire the image. The actual colors of LED 520,for example, are white, blue, green, yellow and so forth. The detectormatrix 530 is located at lower level from the location of the LED 520.This structure eliminates unwanted light introduction to the detectormatrix 530 such as direct−light from the LED 520 or indirect light byreflection. The detector matrix 530 is connected to the detector cable540. The image detection unit 500 is covered by the detector enclosure550. The detector enclosure 550 has round shape as the image detectionunit 500.

[0046] The function of the image-processing unit and the patternrecognition unit is as follows: FIG. 6 is the flow chart indicating theflow of the image-processing unit and the pattern recognition unit. Thecentral processing unit 410 gains power (Procedure 201). The centralprocessing unit 410 initializes the parameter and the conditions(Procedure 202). The central processing unit 410 takes its own ID numberof the passive meter reading system (Procedure 203). The centralprocessing unit 410 commands the radio communication unit 140 totransmit this value (Procedure 204). The radio communication unittransmits the own ID number of the passive meter reading system(Procedure 205). The receiver of the passive meter reading receives theID number of the passive meter reading system (Procedure 206). Thereceiver of the passive meter reading system gives a permission to sendthe passive meter reading system 100 to perform meter reading (Procedure207). When the central processing unit 410 receives the permission, thecentral processing unit 410 sends a command to set power on the LCD 520to the image acquisition interface 430 (Procedure 208). The LED 520lights up and shines on the display panel of the utility meter(Procedure 209). The detector matrix 530 takes the image in (Procedure210) and the image is temporally saved in the temporary memory unit 440of the image acquisition interface 430 (Procedure 211). The centralprocessing unit 410 extracts the numerical value of the display bydigitalizing the image data stored temporally by use of the patternrecognition software 420 (Procedure 212). As the method of patternrecognition each pixel is binalized, classifying either 1 or 0 in otherword, based upon the light intensity information of the entire pixelsfor the case of that the display is in numerical number. The lines areextracted from the binalized image and the number is determined bypattern matching of these lines and the lines pre-stored in the centralprocessing unit 410. This is a common way to determine the numericalvalue. For the case that the value is defined by the position of theneedle the direction that the needle points out is extracted and thenumerical value is calculated from the position. These are two examplesof extraction of the numerical values. The central processing unit 410sends the numerical value extracted by pattern recognition to the radiocommunication unit 140 (Procedure 213). The radio communication unit 140modulates the value into RF frequency and transmits it (Procedure 214).The radio communication unit confirms if the reception was completedwith correct values (Procedure 215). For the case of reception bycorrect values (Procedure 220) radio transmission is terminated(Procedure 216). In the other hand, for the case that reception withincorrect vales (Procedure 220), the procedures 214, 215 and 220 arerepeated until reception with correct values. When the radiotransmission is over (Procedure 216), the central processing unit 410send LOW (0) to the both OR circuits 120 and 125 (Procedure 217). Thisaction deactivates the power supply for the radio equipment 130 and themain power supply 160 into power down state (Procedure 218). When thesetwo power supplies turned off, then only the calendar clock carves timeand it continues until next meter reading moment.

[0047] <Embodiment 2>

[0048] This embodiment is comprised the explanation of the automatedmeter reading system for water. FIG. 7 shows the structure of theautomated meter reading system for water. The passive meter readingsystem 100 has the physical shape of lid of the utility meter 760 thatcovers the display panel of the utility meter 760. The passive meterreading system 100 equips a movable joint that permits the rotation fromone side and also equips two metal-fittings 750 and 751 on the otherside of the movable joint in order for the passive meter reading system100 to fix to and/or to remove from the utility meter 760. This systempermits for a person of classical meter reading to look directly thesurface of display panel of the utility meter 760. Fixing the passivemeter reading system 100 over the utility meter 760 by the movable joint755 and fixing metal fittings 750 and 751 without a space makes toeliminate coming light from out side and then it makes easy to performpattern recognition. The passive meter reading 100 has two parts, theimage acquisition unit and the main body of the passive meter readingsystem. The image detection device and the image acquisition interfaceare integrated in the image acquisition unit as the FIG. 4 shows. Thecalendar clock 110, the power supply for the radio equipment 130, themain power supply 160, the radio communication unit 140, the centralprocessing unit 180 and the antenna 190 are integrated in the main bodyof the passive meter reading system. The utility meter is connected tothe waterway 780 by the piping 770.

[0049] The environment where the passive meter reading system is placedis as follows: FIG. 8 shows the environment of placement for the passivemeter reading system 100. The utility meter 760 is placed in, ingeneral, a metal box 840 with specifically a cast iron lid 830. Themetal box is, in general, placed under the ground. Meter reading takesplace to read the utility meter 760 by opening up the cast iron lid 830.FIG. 8 shows the case of an opening and shutting valve installation inthe cast iron box.

[0050] The next is the explanation of the receiver of the passive meterreading system that the passive meter reading system transmits theresult of meter reading. For the actual installation setting there aretwo major ways. As the first case, the receiver of the passive meterreading system 920 is installed in a moving object such as an automobile900 and, as the second case, meter reading is done by a hand held typeremote receiver unit if the passive meter reading system where thereceiver of the passive meter reading system is integrated in. FIG. 9show the case of meter reading by using an automobile 900. FIG. 10 showsthe configuration of the receiver of the passive meter reading systemfor an automobile 920. The receiver of the passive meter reading systemfor an automobile 920 is comprised the radio communication unit 1040,the radio communication control unit 1010, the memory unit for temporarydata saving 1020, the computer unit of meter data acquisition 1030 andthe battery 1050. While the receiver of the passive meter reading systemis in action, the data communication unit sends contentiously with acertain interval the ‘Command of Meter Reading’ toward the passive meterreading system. When the passive meter reading system 100 receives theradio transmission containing ‘the Command of Meter Reading’, thecomputer unit of meter data acquisition collects the meter readingvalues following the flowchart indicated in FIG. 6.

[0051] Here explains the hand held type remote unit where a personexecutes meter reading carries around. FIG. 11 indicates the hand heldtype remote receiver unit of the passive meter reading system in action.The hand held type remote receiver unit of the passive meter reading1100 is shown in FIG. 12. The handheld type remote receiver unit of thepassive meter reading 1100 is consisted of the radio communication unit1240, the radio communication controller 1210, the memory unit fortemporary data saving 1220, the interface 1230 and the battery 1250. Thestructural difference of the hand held type remote receiver unit fromthe receiver installed in an automobile is absence of the computer unitfor meter data acquisition. The hand held type remote receiver unit 1100saves meter data into the memory unit for temporary data saving and thenthese data will be transferred through the terminal 1130.

[0052] The hand held type remote receiver unit of the passive meterreading system 1100 equips the portion to, display the user ID number indigits 1110 and the portion to display the current meter reading valuecoming from the utility meter 1120 in a chassis 1140.

[0053] Now explains the data transfer method of the hand held typeremote receiver unit of the passive meter reading system. FIG. 13 showsthe schematic connecting the hand held remote receiver unit of thepassive meter reading system 1100 to the data terminal 1310 andtransferring the data to the computer. The hand held type remotereceiver unit of the passive meter reading system 1100 has to dischargethe data before the memory unit 1220 in the hand held unit 1100 iscompletely full. The hand held type remote receiver unit of the passivemeter reading system 1100 is expected to be carried around by a humanbeing so that the quantity of the battery 1250 to be carried around islimited. The battery 1250, therefore, must be recharged time to time.

[0054]FIG. 13 shows the status of data transfer from the hand held typeremote receiver unit of the passive meter reading system 1310 throughthe data terminal 1310. Recharging of the battery can be taken in placewhile the data transfer. The data terminal 1310 is fed, for example, bythe power supply 1320 rectifying the household 100 volt alternativecurrent taking in from the power plug 1330. The data terminal 1310 isfed by the direct current coming from the power supply 1320 and it isalso possible for the hand held remote receiver unit 1310 to be fed bythe direct current.

[0055] The data terminal 1310 is connected to the computer unit for dataacquisition 1340 through the interface 1230. After meter reading workhas be done, the data transfer can be done simply by for the hand heldtype remote receiver unit of the passive meter reading system 1100 toinsert into the inlet of the data terminal 1310. The recharging of thebattery takes place at the same time to the data transfer.

[0056] This invention is the passive meter reading system and it permitsto conserve the electrical power as maximum as possible by shutting offthe power of unnecessary circuit that does not deal with the function ofpurpose. This is very effective to elongate the life of the battery thatis located where frequent replacement of battery is not efficient. Inother words conservation of power has an advantage to prevent frequentreplacement of battery. The system is program to turn on the powersupply one by one when it became necessary after receiving ‘the Commandof Meter Reading.’ It has an advantage to conserve more power than allthe power supply is turned on at once. The system of this invention alsopermits current on-site reading the utility meter in addition to performthe passive meter reading in distance.

What is claimed is:
 1. A meter reading system comprising: a calendarclock a first power supply that is activated by a signal from thecalendar clock; and an image-processing system for acquiring an image offront panel of a meter and being powered by the power supply; whereinthe calendar clock generates a signal to activate the first power supplyfor a certain period of time within a month.
 2. A meter reading systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a second power supplyactivated by the signal from the calendar clock; and a radiocommunication unit being powered by the second power supply and fortransferring the data of images acquired by the image-processing systemtoward another radio equipments; wherein the calendar clock generates asignal to activate the second power supply for a certain period of timewithin a month.
 3. A meter reading system according to claim 2, whereinthe certain period when the calendar clock is operated may be changed bythe transmission of command through the radio communication unit.
 4. Ameter reading system according to claim 1, further comprising: a movablejoint that permits to mount the image-processing unit upon the displayportion of the meter system; and a fixing apparatus in order for themovable joint to prevent rotating.
 5. A meter reading system accordingto claim 2, wherein the radio communication unit transfers theinformation obtained from the image-processing unit with the userspecific identification data.